Q: Did the tactics become more ingrained after returning from the Okinawa camp to Kodaira?
A: It's not just the tactics, but I think the mindset has changed a lot. I believe the entire team is able to share a common awareness.
Q, what is consciousness, is it about valuing your position and the ball?
A: The most important thing is to carefully maintain possession of the ball, and I believe we share that common awareness.
Q, has the team been progressing with a sense of trial and error, with a change in tactics so far?
A: To be honest, last season I played with a team that used tactics similar to Tokyo's, so like everyone else, I sometimes felt confused by the new tactics and sensed a gap between what I had been conscious of until now and what is currently required. However, through the one-month camp, I believe I have been able to adjust my awareness accordingly.
Q, the demands on the defense are different from playing while waiting for the opponent and pushing forward with the ball.
A, I think both have their good and bad points.
When holding the ball and playing offensively, there are often dangerous one-on-one situations created on the counterattack. However, I believe that by taking on these challenges, it leads to growth, and I want to view it positively.
Q: As the first stage of building a team, what kind of risk management do you plan to do as a center back, considering possible mistakes?
A, I believe mistakes will inevitably occur. However, what the coach often says is to eliminate major mistakes. As a center back, mistakes directly lead to conceding goals and become a factor in not winning. As a professional, not only the content but also the focus on winning is essential. So, while I acknowledge that mistakes will happen as a center back, I want to eliminate big mistakes and those that directly lead to conceding goals.
Q, as a center back, is there anything you need to be aware of in terms of positional play and coaching for corrections?
A, since I have the ball for a long time, I communicate with my teammates about positioning to make it easier for myself to play and to pass the ball. I also call out to the forwards, but since teammates may move freely as well, I hope we can discuss and coordinate together.
Q: Is there a play that Kimoto wants Tokyo fans and supporters to see?
A: In the build-up phase, I have the ball for a long time, so I become the starting point of the attack, and I want people to watch me when I have the ball. Of course, since I am a defender, I also want people to see my play where I use my body in defense to prevent the opposing forwards from having freedom.
Q, Kawasaki Frontale, the opponent of the opening match, has Leandro DAMIAO.
A, although we haven't faced him many times, he was last season's league top scorer, so we want to keep him from gaining momentum and aim to keep a clean sheet as a team.
